as in reactions
a strong public response against something
There was swift backlash to the senator's controversial comments.
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Recent Examples of backlashes
Unless major economies accept equivalent limits on their ability to manage credit, currencies, and external accounts, the world will see recurring beggar-thy-neighbor tensions, protectionist backlashes, and a fragmented trading order.
—
Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2025
In recent years, companies like Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl have faced similar backlashes over designs or motifs perceived as too similar to traditional works.
—Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Michael Pettis, Foreign Affairs, 17 Nov. 2025
In recent years, companies like Zara, Anthropologie and Patowl have faced similar backlashes over designs or motifs perceived as too similar to traditional works.
—Isa Cardona, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for backlashes
reactions
Noun
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Bal and Chi-Fou-Mi Productions, while almost certainly proceeding without Israeli institutional support, given the vituperative reactions his recent films have provoked — and, by his own admission, have been designed to provoke.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
21 Jan. 2026
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The comments poured in — and the reactions were just as entertaining as the hike itself.—
Jordan Greene,
PEOPLE,
21 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Backlashes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/backlashes. Accessed 23 Jan. 2026.
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